|
Ke’Andre TownsEmerging Leader Award
Honoring a youth from high school and below who have shown exceptional dedication to community service and involvement, making a significant positive impact through their volunteer efforts and leadership. This award honors young individuals who inspire their peers and contribute to the well-being and unity of the community, reflecting the spirit of Mrs. Jettie Rhodes.
|
Ke’Andre Towns is a young leader whose passion for service, advocacy, and community impact is already making a difference. As a student at Urbana High School, Ke’Andre has shown that leadership is not defined by age, but by courage, commitment, and the willingness to speak up for others.
Ke’Andre is deeply committed to being an inspiration in his community, especially to African American youth. He strives to encourage his peers to dream bigger, work hard, and believe in their ability to create positive change. Through his words and actions, he challenges negative stereotypes and works to highlight the strength, excellence, and potential within his culture and community.
During the 2024-2025 school year, Ke’Andre served as a Student Ambassador for the Urbana School District #116 Board of Education. In that role, he advocated for student voices to be heard and worked to help create a more welcoming and supportive school environment. He recognized that many students have concerns but may not always feel heard, so he focused on finding ways to gather feedback, share student perspectives, and communicate information back to his peers in a respectful and understandable way.
Ke’Andre has also been active in school activities including Student Council, Band Council, Jazz Band, and wrestling. His involvement reflects his willingness to participate, lead, and represent his school community in many different spaces.
What makes Ke’Andre stand out is his desire to do more than simply succeed for himself. He wants to help others succeed as well. He believes in encouraging young people to follow their hearts, chase their dreams, and use their gifts to make a difference. His leadership reflects the spirit of Mrs. Jettie Rhodes by uplifting others, building unity, and showing that young people have the power to create meaningful change.
Ke’Andre Towns is an emerging leader with a strong voice, a servant’s heart, and a bright future ahead.
Ke’Andre is deeply committed to being an inspiration in his community, especially to African American youth. He strives to encourage his peers to dream bigger, work hard, and believe in their ability to create positive change. Through his words and actions, he challenges negative stereotypes and works to highlight the strength, excellence, and potential within his culture and community.
During the 2024-2025 school year, Ke’Andre served as a Student Ambassador for the Urbana School District #116 Board of Education. In that role, he advocated for student voices to be heard and worked to help create a more welcoming and supportive school environment. He recognized that many students have concerns but may not always feel heard, so he focused on finding ways to gather feedback, share student perspectives, and communicate information back to his peers in a respectful and understandable way.
Ke’Andre has also been active in school activities including Student Council, Band Council, Jazz Band, and wrestling. His involvement reflects his willingness to participate, lead, and represent his school community in many different spaces.
What makes Ke’Andre stand out is his desire to do more than simply succeed for himself. He wants to help others succeed as well. He believes in encouraging young people to follow their hearts, chase their dreams, and use their gifts to make a difference. His leadership reflects the spirit of Mrs. Jettie Rhodes by uplifting others, building unity, and showing that young people have the power to create meaningful change.
Ke’Andre Towns is an emerging leader with a strong voice, a servant’s heart, and a bright future ahead.
Previous Honoree:
2024 - Kierra Moten
2025 - Mycal Turner
2024 - Kierra Moten
2025 - Mycal Turner